‘It Still Doesn’t Feel Real’
The photo on the bench outside doesn’t feel real.
Sean Monahan stares at the empty stall across the way. The nameplate reads “Gaudreau,” the No. 13 jersey hanging above it. Everywhere he looks in Nationwide Arena – from the muralson’s boy in selfie, to the
“But the pain, it’s still so fresh.”
That’s the raw emotion Monahan feels when asked how he’s doing five months after the unthinkable. Losing a best friend, a teammate, gone far too soon.
“Ninety percent of the time it doesn’t feel real. You lose your best friend, your teammate, it’s tough to comprehend.
“When something happens in my life, I’d usually give John a FaceTime. I go through those situations a lot where you want to pick up the phone, call or text him or send him a picture or something, and you realize that’s when it really hurts,” he said.
Monahan pauses, fighting back tears, his voice catching as he processes the crushing reality audreau’s absence – in the locker room,
Visiting Flames teammates, the ones thunderF
The Unbreakable Bond
Their shared journey began as young prospects with the Calgary Flames. Over a dozen years, they forged a bond that transcended hockey, one Monahan likened to those brothers-in-arms.
“We were young kids in Calgary, we grew up together.
Not just hockey,” said Monahan, who last summer signed with the Blue Jackets. “Living just two doors down from the mer lose."
Days before tragedy struck, Monahan’s wife gave birth to their first child. A fresh start, playing alongside his best friend.
“Imagine what we were looking forward to. Being dads together. That was the plan. We’d just drive to each other’s places, grab coffee and take the kids to different
The two dads’ idea of toddler playdates evolved into a grim understanding.
In the aftermath.
Honoring the Donkey’s Legacy
* How did Sean Monahan describe the feeling of seeing Johnny Gaudreau’s empty stall in the locker room?
## Monahan Opens Up About Gaudreau’s Departure
**[INTRO MUSIC]**
**HOST:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Calgary Flames veteran forward Sean Monahan, who recently spoke out about the difficult adjustment to playing without former teammate and close friend, Johnny Gaudreau. Sean, thanks for being here.
**MONAHAN:** It’s good to be here.
**HOST:** We know Johnny’s departure to Columbus hit the team hard, but your words about it have really resonated with fans. You said it “still doesn’t feel real” seeing his empty stall. Can you elaborate on what you’re experiencing?
**MONAHAN:** It’s just weird, you know? For years, Johnny was right there beside me, on the ice, in the locker room. We built so much together. Seeing that empty space, that jersey hanging there… it’s a constant reminder that he’s not here anymore. It’s tough.
**HOST:** You seem to have had a particularly close bond with Johnny.
**MONAHAN:** Absolutely. We were more than just teammates; we were truly good friends. We spent a lot of time together off the ice, our families got along great.
**HOST:** It’s no surprise then that this loss feels so personal. What are some of the things you miss most about having Johnny around?
**MONAHAN:** His energy, his humour, his passion for the game. He always brought a smile to the room. On the ice, his talent was undeniable. We had such great chemistry, we always seemed to know what the other was thinking.
**HOST:** It sounds like you’re still grieving his departure.
**MONAHAN:** Definitely.
**HOST:** How are you and the team dealing with it on a day-to-day basis?
**MONAHAN:** It’s a process. We’re learning to adjust, to find a new rhythm. But Johnny will always be a part of this team’s history, and we’ll always cherish the memories we shared with him.
**HOST:** Wonderful words, Sean. Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your feelings with us.
**MONAHAN:** My pleasure.
**[OUTRO MUSIC]**
**Note:** This interview is based on the excerpt provided in the search results [[1](https://www.dailyhockeydose.com/nhl/news/sean-monahan-heartbroken-mourning-the-loss-of-former-teammate-and-friend-johnny-gaudreau)].
